Metadata Training and Support for Conservation Practitioners

Sonoma Ecology Center has provided FGDC metadata training and
support to North Bay Climate Adaption Initiative (NBCAI), California
Landscape Conservation Cooperative (CALCC), and North Bay GIS User
Group partners and facilitated sharing of their data and metadata
through the California Conservation Commons.

An online survey on metadata training needs and interests was begun in
October 2012. The targeted audiences were GIS professionals in northern
California and the climate change community in the San Francisco Bay
area. However, numerous responses were received from across the
contiguous US. SEC analyzed responses received for inputs on refining
our metadata training offerings.

With the recent increased focus on the incorporation of climate
research into conservation practice, and the rapidly changing and
highly technical nature of climate change data products, it is critical
that spatial data is shared effectively and is thoroughly documented.
The NBCAI and CA-LCC partners are committed to sharing their climate
and conservation data through the California Conservations Commons
websites: the San
Francisco Bay Area Conservation Commons (SF Commons) and the CA-LCC
California Climate Commons. The trainings focused on FGDC metadata
creation and data sharing through the California Climate Commons to
serve these communities.